Enchanting melodies and vibrant hues paint the town
Basic Information
Shitamachi’s earliest Inari Shrine, Shitaya Shrine, is located in Inaricho, Taito Ward, Tokyo.
- Address: 3-29-8 Higashi Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0015
- Phone Number: 03-3831-1488
- Access: 1-minute walk from Inaricho Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, 5-minute walk from Shin Okachimachi Station on the Toei Oedo Line, or 2-minute walk from Shitaya Jinja-mae bus stop on Toei Bus
- Festival Days: May 11th (Wed), 2024 (Reiwa 6)
Main Events and Attractions of the Festival
Shitamachi’s earliest Inari Shrine, Shitaya Shrine, is located in Inaricho, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The festival is held annually on May 11th, and it is a lively and colorful event that attracts many visitors from all over the city.
Mikoshi Procession
One of the main highlights of the festival is the mikoshi procession. A mikoshi is a portable shrine that is carried through the streets by a team of people. The mikoshi of Shitaya Shrine is particularly large and impressive, and it is carried by a team of over 100 people. The procession winds its way through the streets of Inaricho, and it is a sight to behold.
Kagura Performance
Another popular attraction of the festival is the kagura performance. Kagura is a traditional Japanese dance that is performed to Shinto music. The kagura performance at Shitaya Shrine is performed by a group of young women, and it is a beautiful and graceful sight.
Food Stalls
No Japanese festival is complete without food stalls, and the Shitaya Shrine festival is no exception. There are many food stalls set up around the shrine, selling a variety of delicious treats. Some of the most popular items include yakitori, takoyaki, and cotton candy.
Games and Activities
There are also a number of games and activities for children at the festival. These include things like ring toss, beanbag toss, and goldfish scooping. There is also a small petting zoo, where children can interact with animals such as rabbits and goats.
Blessings and Deities
Shitaya Shrine is dedicated to the deity Otoshi no Kami, who is the god of agriculture, industry, and commerce. Otoshi no Kami is also known as Inari, and he is one of the most popular deities in Japan. He is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard, riding a white fox.
- Deity: Otoshi no Kami (Inari)
- Benefits: Agriculture, industry, commerce, general good fortune
Origin and History
The origins of Shitaya Shrine are unclear, but it is believed to have been founded in the 8th century. The shrine was originally located in Ueno Park, but it was moved to its current location in Inaricho in the 17th century. Shitaya Shrine has been a popular place of worship for centuries, and it is especially popular among people who are seeking good fortune in business or agriculture.
- Founded: 8th century
- Original location: Ueno Park
- Current location: Inaricho
Tips and Notes for Visitors
Here are some tips and notes for visitors to Shitaya Shrine:
- The shrine is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Admission is free.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The shrine is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during peak times.
- If you are visiting the shrine during a festival, be sure to check out the food stalls and games.
Parking Information
There is a small parking lot available for visitors to Shitaya Shrine. The parking lot is located on the east side of the shrine, and it can accommodate about 20 cars. The parking fee is 500 yen per day.
- Location: East side of the shrine
- Capacity: 20 cars
- Fee: 500 yen per day
Popular Stalls and Food Carts in Recent Years
| Type of Stall | Description |
|---|---|
| Takoyaki | A staple at Japanese festivals. Characterized by a crispy outside and a creamy inside. |
| Jaga Butter | A simple yet popular snack of hot potatoes lavishly topped with melted butter. |
| Baby Castella | Small castella cakes, sweet and fluffy treats enjoyed by children and adults alike. |
| Grilled Ayu with Salt | Fresh ayu fish grilled whole with salt, a savory taste of Japanese summer. |
| Shaapin | A unique gourmet item influenced by foreign cuisine, with a chewy skin wrapping the filling. |
| Okonomiyaki | A Japanese grilled dish where you often choose your own ingredients for a personalized flavor. |
| Cotton Candy | A fluffy, sweet snack that’s extremely popular with children. |
| Chocolate Banana | A banana coated in chocolate, a fun and visually appealing dessert. |
| Kushiyaki | Various types of ingredients skewered and grilled, an easy-to-enjoy snack. |
| Yakisoba | Fried noodles mixed with a special sauce, a fast food favorite in Japan. |
